Durban's Hidden Beach Gem: No. 20 Guesthouse Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sugary sand and salty air of Durban's Hidden Beach Gem: No. 20 Guesthouse Awaits! This isn't your stuffy hotel review; this is a full-blown, honest-to-goodness, warts-and-all account of what you really get when you book a stay. And let me tell you, after a recent escape from the usual grind… I've got some stories.
First things first: Accessibility. Look, I'm no stranger to a wonky knee, so this matters. No. 20, thankfully, has a good handle on it. Wheelchair access? Yep, they've got it. The elevators actually work (a blessedly rare thing!), and the rooms are thoughtfully laid out. No more wrestling with tiny bathrooms! They're making an effort, and that's hugely appreciated.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, lemme just say, in these pandemic times, I'm practically a germaphobe in disguise. No. 20 gets it. The anti-viral cleaning products are a huge plus (they smell clean, which is half the battle!), and seeing the daily disinfection in common areas gave me some serious peace of mind. I even saw them sanitizing the kitchen and tableware items more than once. Plus, they have a rigorous hygiene certification. The staff are trained in safety protocols, and that's not just lip service; you can tell. And they had…Hand sanitizer everywhere I turned.
Now, let's get to the good stuff: Things to Do, Ways to Relax. Oh, honey, this is where No. 20 shines. Forget the basic hotel gym – they've got a proper Fitness center. I’m not a gym bunny, but honestly, it’s well-equipped and I didn’t feel judged. The swimming pool? Gorgeous. But the real star of the show? The Pool with a View. Seriously, sipping a cocktail while staring out at… well, you'll know when you get there… is utter bliss. And speaking of bliss, the spa is… chef’s kiss. I got a massage, (my stressed shoulders practically melted off), and a body scrub that left me feeling like a brand-new, slightly oiled-up human. They also have a sauna and steamroom, which I didn’t actually try (judge me if you want, some people just don't like it).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, confession time. I'm a massive foodie. No. 20’s food scene is pretty darn impressive. They've got a restaurant with plenty of options – a vegetarian restaurant, and it's even got Asian cuisine. Every breakfast was a buffet dream ( breakfast [buffet]). They did have Coffee/tea so I was happy as a clam. The Poolside bar is the perfect chill spot. And get this: Room service [24-hour]! Which, as a lover of midnight snacks, is a game changer. I've had a Happy hour, and I was so happy for happy hour to arrive. I did have a bottle of water every day and, I swear, my skin felt good! I didn't have the Asian breakfast personally, but the Western breakfast was absolutely wonderful.
Services and Conveniences: They’ve nailed the basics. Daily housekeeping, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, a concierge, and luggage storage. But it's the little things that matter. I loved the Complimentary tea in my room, the Wake-up service and the desk. I did appreciate the Air conditioning, especially in the summer. And the elevator was a life-saver. They provided an invoice. The elevator worked as well. The air conditioning in the public area was great too! Also, there's an ironing service that I used! And for those moments of sheer panic, there’s a doctor/nurse on call.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You): While I didn’t have any rugrats with me, they seem to be super kid-friendly. They’ve got Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal which is great for families.
Getting Around: The car park [on-site, car park [free of charge] is a huge plus. Otherwise, they will call a Taxi service for you. They also have Airport transfer.
Available in all rooms: The Internet access – wireless was flawless! I could stream Netflix without a problem, (a must for my hotel stays!). They had the Internet access – LAN It was heaven! They did also have Air conditioning. Air conditioning was a life-saver in Durban. You'll get Additional toilet, an Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Now, for the real talk:
Okay, here's where things get a little… real. There's a charm about No. 20 that goes beyond the amenities. It's the vibe. It’s got this… understated elegance, but without being suffocatingly pretentious. The staff are genuinely friendly, not the robotic, forced smiles you sometimes encounter. They were helpful and made me feel like I wasn't just another cog in the tourist machine. They felt like people.
One slightly less-than-perfect moment? The first night, the air conditioning in my room was a bit… temperamental. But honestly? They fixed it immediately. And everyone has a little hiccup, right? It added to the ‘realness’ of the place. It's not some sterile, perfect hotel; it's somewhere you can really relax.
The “Hidden Beach Gem” Promise: The name is accurate. You’re not in the middle of a chain hotel. This is a place that feels… special. Like you stumbled upon a secret. It’s off the beaten path, and that's a major selling point for me.
So, would I recommend No. 20?
Absolutely. Without hesitation. It’s a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and that elusive “something special” that makes a trip memorable.
Here’s my brutally honest, stream-of-consciousness sales pitch:
Tired of the same old boring hotel routine? Craving a real escape? Then ditch the generic chains and book your escape to Durban's Hidden Beach Gem: No. 20 Guesthouse Awaits!
Picture this: You, lounging by a pool with an unbelievable view, a tropical drink in hand, the sound of the ocean in the background. No. 20 isn't just a place to sleep; it's an experience.
Here's what you get:
- Unbeatable Location: Close to the beach – seriously, you can practically smell the salt air from your room.
- Pure Relaxation: Seriously amazing spa, perfect pool, Sauna, steamroom, gym. Ready for a massage? I swear, you'll feel like a new person!
- Foodie Heaven: Forget bland hotel breakfasts; we are talking Asian breakfast, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Safety First: This place is seriously on top of cleanliness. They've got anti-viral cleaning products, and you know they're serious about keeping you safe.
- Stress-Free Zone: From the 24-hour front desk to the easy check-in/out, everything is designed to make your stay effortless.
- And the small things: From the free Wi-Fi to the comfy beds, No. 20 gets the details right.
Here’s the deal:
Book now and get a special early bird discount! Escape the ordinary and create memories that will
Escape to Kanha's Wild Heart: StayVista's Luxurious Bhils Kabeela with Private Pool!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into my chaotic Durban adventure, centered around No. 20 On The Beach Guesthouse. Forget perfectly sculpted itineraries, this is the real, messy, sun-kissed truth.
Durban Delirium: A Semi-Organized Chaos (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Humidity)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Mostly Just Humidity)
10:00 AM (ish): Landed at King Shaka International. Already sweating. Honestly, my hair decided to embrace its inner frizz-bomb immediately. Finding the shuttle to No. 20 felt like an Olympic sport. Turns out, I was supposed to pre-book. Oops. The driver gave me the stink eye, but hey, I'm on vacation!
11:30 AM (more or less): Finally arrive at No. 20. The photos online? They lied (in a good way!). It's even more charming in person. Tiny little garden, the smell of the ocean mixed with something vaguely floral - a promising start! Checked in. The owner (I think her name was Sarah? Maybe Sharon? Fuzzy memory, blame jet lag) was super friendly, full of local tips, and radiating that quintessential South African warmth. Gave me the keys to my room, a room with a view of the ocean. The view was spectacular.
12:30 PM: Unpack. Stare at the ocean. Decide to change clothes three times because Durban's humidity is a sneaky, invisible monster. Settle on a t-shirt and shorts (finally) and head for the beach.
1:00 PM: Beach Time! (And My First Brush with South African Culture)
- The beach is BEAUTIFUL. Golden sand, the waves are crashing, and the air is thick with the salty perfume of the ocean. I find a spot and spread out my towel.
- First Observation: Guys, South Africans are a different breed. They're grilling, chatting loud and laughing, and drinking something called "Amarula" with their coffee. I need to try this "Amarula." (later, I would. Let's just say it's DELICIOUS.)
- First Imperfection: My suncream application was clearly lacking. Burnt my shoulders worse than a braai gone wrong. Lesson learned: Slather, then slather some more.
3:00 PM: Wondering around the shops close to No. 20. There are so many small shops, and the staff are more than willing to give me an insight into the local culture and life.
5:00 PM: Back to No. 20 to get ready for dinner time.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant (Sarah/Sharon's recommendation). The peri-peri prawns were legendary. I could have eaten a thousand of them. The waiter was a bit of a flirt, which was a welcome change from the jet lag-induced grumpiness.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. Durban is amazing, and I'm already in love!
Day 2: Culture Shock, Sunburn, and Culinary Adventures
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, stare at the ocean (again). Still spectacular.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at No. 20. Simple, but perfect: fresh fruit, yogurt, and the strongest coffee I’ve had in years. Sarah/Sharon makes a mean omelet, too.
- 9:00 AM: Explore the city. The Golden Mile boardwalk is a must. The mix of people is mind-blowing: tourists, vendors, locals, all blending in this vibrant, chaotic soup. I'm half expecting to run into a celebrity. It is a lot bigger than I thought it would be.
- 10:00 AM: The Victoria Street Market is another must-see: The smells, the colors, the people…it’s an assault on the senses in the best way possible. Got a beautiful piece of beaded jewelry but I'm pretty sure I got hustled on the price. Never mind, It's the experience that matter.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local curry house. Oh. My. God. The bunny chow (hollowed-out bread filled with curry) almost killed me. The flavor was incredible, the heat was intense. I'm pretty sure I was sweating from every pore. But I couldn't stop eating it!
- 2:00 PM: A Dive into Durban's History (and Finding Myself a Bit Lost)
- Decided to visit the Durban Botanic Gardens. It sounded peaceful, calm, a good way to escape the city's chaos.
- Quirky Observation: The gardens are beautiful, filled with colorful flowers and exotic plants. But the air is SO thick with humidity, I feel like I'm swimming through it.
- Imperfection: Got terribly lost trying to find the Rose Garden. Wandered around in circles for, like, an hour. Finally gave up and just sat on a bench, defeated, and contemplated my life choices. It's fine.
- 5:00 PM: Recover from near-death experience at the hotel pool. Amazing, just what I needed.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant in the Morningside. I was a little bit homesick for my own culture, so this really hit the spot.
Day 3: Monkeys, Mayhem, and Goodbyes (For Now)
- 7:00 AM: Up, doze, wake again.
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast at No. 20. Sarah/Sharon (I've decided on Sarah) gives me some recommendations for the rest of my trip (I am going to miss her).
- 9:00 AM: Quick trip to the Umgeni River Bird Park. This is a bit of a detour, but I’m obsessed with birds.
- Anecdote: Saw some magnificent parrots, one swooped down and tried to steal my hat. He failed but it was hilarious.
- 11:00 AM: Monkeys! (And a Near-Miss with a Stolen Ice Cream)
- Went to the Bluff Nature Reserve to see the monkeys.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy! Monkeys are the best. So naughty and cute and full of mischief. They came right up to me. I swear one tried to steal my ice cream.
- Quirky Observation: The whole experience was slightly terrifying but I loved it, I'd probably do it again.
- 1:00 PM: Quick lunch at a cafe.
- 2:00 PM: Packed up and time to leave No. 20.
- Emotional Reaction: Bittersweet, I feel I have made a friend and will miss the daily chats, the ocean, and the friendly atmosphere. This trip has been a good soul-searching experience, and a new respect for the South African culture.
Post-Durban Ramblings:
- Durban is a sensory explosion. A city that overwhelms in the best way possible.
- The people are friendly, the food is amazing (and spicy), and the humidity is…well, it's Durban. You get used to it (sort of).
- No. 20 On The Beach? Fantastic. A perfect mix of charm, comfort, and that unbeatable ocean view. I'll be back.
- Next time, I'm investing in a waterproof mascara. And maybe a really, really powerful fan.
So, that's it. My Durban adventure, warts and all. Hopefully, you found some inspiration (or at least some amusement) in my chaotic travelogue. Go, explore the world, and embrace the messiness! You won't regret it.
Delhi Airport Oasis: Your Dream 2BHK Awaits!
Durban's Best-Kept Secret (Maybe?) - No. 20 Guesthouse: The Unofficial FAQ
Okay, Okay, So What *Exactly* is No. 20? Sounds...mysterious.
Alright, alright, settle down, Indiana Jones. No. 20 is technically a guesthouse. But let me tell you, calling it *just* a guesthouse feels criminal. Think of a slightly-worn, incredibly charming Victorian house that's been lovingly – and sometimes haphazardly – converted into a collection of rooms. It's right on the beach, which is the *whole* point, really. You can literally stumble out of bed, pull on your boardies, and be in the surf within a minute. I'm talking, *sun's practically kissing your eyelids* close. It's that kind of place.
Location, Location, Location...is it really *that* close to the beach?
Good question! Honestly, yeah. It's... absurdly close. I remember the first time I stayed there. Woke up, blurry-eyed, thought a wave had crashed *inside* the room. (Spoiler alert: it hadn't, but the roar of the ocean is that omnipresent.) We’re talking a hop, skip and a splash. Okay, maybe a shuffle, considering I’m not exactly a graceful gazelle, but the point remains: it's ridiculously convenient. Think of all the delicious, salty breakfasts you could eat, then immediately needing to expend some energy. The convenience is its major selling point.
What's the vibe? Is it all stuffy and formal?
Stuffy? *Hard* no. Formal? Absolutely not. The vibe is... relaxed. Think "slightly bohemian surf shack meets your eccentric aunt’s beach house.” There's usually a healthy dose of sandy feet, the smell of sunscreen in the air, and the distant sounds of laughter (primarily from surfers). It's not the Ritz, bless its heart. My first time, I remember walking in, a little frazzled from the drive and a bit under-dressed (rookie mistake). The owner, this wonderfully kind woman called Sharon, just grinned and said, "Grab a beer, love, and let the ocean wash your worries away." And that pretty much sums it up.
The Rooms...are they nice? (Be honest!)
Okay, the rooms are… well, they’re “charming.” Let’s go with that. Think antique furniture, maybe a slightly wonky window (that *perfectly* frames the ocean, I swear), and a bed that's seen better days but is perfectly comfortable. They’re not minimalist, you get a lot of furniture, paintings abound, some of them are a great, some… well it adds to the charm. You're not paying for a 5-star hotel experience, okay? You're paying for the *location* and the atmosphere. (And the possibility of hearing the waves ALL NIGHT LONG, which I, frankly, *love*). One minor gripe – the hot water can be a bit temperamental. Apparently, the old Victorian plumbing system isn't always on board with modern demands. But its part of the charm, I reckon. Embrace the potential for a cold shower, my friend, it builds character.
Are there any downsides? (Don't sugarcoat it!)
Alright, time for the truth bomb. Yes, there are downsides. The aforementioned plumbing situation. The occasional dodgy Wi-Fi (but seriously, who needs Wi-Fi when the ocean is your entertainment?). And, depending on your room, you might hear EVERYTHING from the street. It is an old building, after all. And sometimes, *sometimes*, a slightly overenthusiastic group of surfers can get a little *loud* late at night. But frankly, I'm willing to overlook these things. The pros *vastly* outweigh the cons. It's not a luxurious experience, it's a *real* experience and that is much more important for me.
Is there parking? Because Durban parking can be a nightmare.
Okay, this is a tricky one. There is *off-street* parking, but it's limited. So plan accordingly. Arrive early, or be prepared to park on the street. Which, honestly, isn't TOO terrible in that area, but you'll want to double-check the local parking rules. I lost a bumper there once, but that was my fault for parking too close to a particularly grumpy seagull...I think.
Should I book? Like, *really*?
YES! Absolutely, positively, without a shadow of a doubt, you should try to book. Especially if you enjoy the beach, are looking for a chilled out vibe and don't mind a little bit of "character." It's a hidden gem, I'm telling you. And the longer you wait, the harder it will be to get a spot. Book. Book now! Unless *you* can’t go, in which case… let me know. Just kidding (mostly).
Okay, so what IS the *absolute best thing* about No. 20? Spill the beans!
Alright, fine. One last thing. Let me tell you a story. I went there with my significant other a few months ago. We had *that* room. You know, the one with the view that makes your heart sing. We were battling some stuff in our lives. Work stress, family dramas - the whole shebang. We arrived exhausted. The first night, we barely spoke. We just sat on the balcony, watched the moon rise over the ocean, and listened to the waves. And slowly, bit by bit, everything started to feel… better. The connection was so much better. It sounds corny, I know, but the ocean just has this magic. It seemed to physically wash away the tension. By the end of the weekend, we were laughing again, holding hands, feeling like *ourselves* again. That, right there, is what No. 20 is all about. That’s the best thing, by a country mile. That… that's worth its weight in gold.
